Fri Feb 28 17:38:32 UTC 2025: ## Zelensky and Trump Meet Amidst Controversial Truce Talks and Minerals Deal

**Washington D.C.** – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US President Donald Trump at the White House today to discuss a controversial minerals deal central to potential peace negotiations in the ongoing war with Russia. The meeting comes after Trump initially labeled Zelensky a dictator and blamed him for the conflict, only to retract his statements the day before the meeting.

Zelensky urged Trump to avoid compromises with Russian President Vladimir Putin during peace talks, while Trump emphasized the necessity of Ukrainian concessions for a truce. Zelensky expressed confidence in Trump’s support, highlighting the crucial role of US protection against Russian threats. Trump, in turn, suggested a truce was imminent and praised the fairness of the proposed minerals deal.

This deal would grant the US access to Ukraine’s rare-earth and critical minerals in exchange for continued security guarantees to Kyiv. The agreement is seen as a cornerstone for future peace talks and a way to incentivize continued US involvement, addressing Trump’s past concerns about the lack of direct US benefit in the conflict. European leaders, notably French President Emmanuel Macron, have championed this approach, believing it will secure lasting US commitment to Ukraine’s security and sovereignty.

Macron, representing the EU, outlined a phased approach to a ceasefire: initial US-Russia negotiations, followed by US-Ukraine talks. He stressed the importance of a comprehensive truce covering land, air, and sea, with verifiable Russian adherence. The subsequent negotiations would address security guarantees, territorial issues, and ultimately, a lasting peace agreement. The minerals deal, Macron confirmed, is crucial to maintaining sustained US involvement in securing Ukrainian sovereignty. The possibility of a truce within weeks was also suggested.

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